Thinking about studying or living somewhere new while still in high school? Exchange programs give you the chance to step into a different culture, education system, or research environment while building real skills that matter for college and beyond. Whether it’s a semester abroad, a summer exchange, or a global research program, these experiences push you to adapt, think independently, and grow fast.
Learning beyond the classroom (and your comfort zone)
Exchange programs aren’t just about travel. Many let you improve a foreign language, complete project-based work, conduct research, or engage with local communities and institutions in your host country. Along the way, you build independence, cultural awareness, and experiences that stand out in college applications, essays, and interviews.
Keep reading to discover 15 exchange programs for high school students to help you grow both personally and academically. You can also check out our blog on summer camps abroad for high school students here.
15 Exchange Programs for High School Students
1. Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad Program
Location: Select countries around the world, such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Poland
Cost/Stipend: Program costs are covered by the FLEX Abroad scholarship; A modest monthly stipend is offered as part of the scholarship
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Program Dates: 10 months
Application Deadline: December 8
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15-18.5
Subject Areas: Leadership, cross-cultural communication, language, and culture
The FLEX Abroad Program allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture while strengthening your leadership and communication skills. The experience begins with a pre-departure orientation that prepares you for life in another country, from understanding local customs to navigating school expectations. Then you’ll spend an academic year living with a carefully selected host family and attending a local high school full-time, studying subjects like math, science, language, and humanities. Classes are typically taught partly or entirely in the local language, allowing you to build practical communication skills. The program also places strong emphasis on cultural diplomacy, so you’ll spend much of your time outside the classroom participating in community service or cultural enrichment activities. Along the way, you’ll develop cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and a clearer understanding of shared global values.
2. Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) High School Program
Location: Germany
Cost/Stipend: Free (covered by a scholarship); A modest monthly stipend offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Year-long program: Participants depart for Germany from July – September and return the following June or July; Pre-departure preparations in April/May may also be required
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: U.S. high school students interested in the German language (ages 15-18.5); Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 and comply with U.S. Department of State eligibility policy for American Outbound Youth Programs (See here for more information)
Subject Areas: German language and culture
The CBYX High School Program is a government-funded exchange, jointly organized by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag. It offers you the chance to spend an academic year in Germany, where you’ll live with a host family and attend a local German high school. Since most or all of the classes will be in German, you’ll spend the year building practical language proficiency through immersion rather than formal coursework alone. You will also gain structured exposure to German history, politics, and social life through orientations, meetings with U.S. and German government officials, and excursions around the country. Your daily life during the program—navigating a foreign school system, adapting to cultural norms, and communicating with your host family—will give you experience in cross-cultural collaboration and problem-solving. You’ll also take part in pre-departure and re-entry workshops that emphasize adaptability, civic responsibility, and the basics of citizen diplomacy.
3. German American Partnership Program (GAPP): Short-Term Exchange Program
Location: Germany
Cost: $1,200 – $3,200 per student; Grants and scholarships available
Cohort Size: Recommended group size is 10-20 participants
Program Dates: Available throughout the year; The program must be at least 14 days long
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S.-based coordinators and teachers can apply on behalf of their students
Subject Areas: German language and culture
GAPP’s Short-Term Exchange Program supports U.S. high school groups in organizing 14-day or longer exchanges with partner schools in Germany, giving students structured exposure to German language and culture. You’ll stay with a host family for at least ten days, attend classes, and observe how German schools approach academics, teaching, and student routines. Each exchange centers on a collaborative project theme, with topics often ranging from culture and history to sustainability, music, architecture, or social media. This lets you gain practical experience in cross-cultural communication, basic project planning, and language learning in an everyday setting. If your school doesn’t offer German language classes, the partner school may provide a brief introductory module to help you navigate conversations with your host family and peers. GAPP also offers financial assistance for eligible groups and students, which can help reduce overall travel costs.
4. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) – Academic Year Abroad
Location: Various countries across the world, depending on the language you want to study
Cost: Program costs covered by NSLI-Y Scholarship
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 8-10 months starting in August or September
Application Deadline: November 12
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (15-18) with a GPA of 2.5 or higher; Must be residing in the U.S. at the time of application; Must be in the Beginner-Advanced Low target language proficiency range on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale
Subject Areas: Arabic, Chinese, or Russian
The NSLI-Y offers a fully-funded Academic Year Abroad program, organized by the U.S. Department of State, for high school students interested in studying languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, through intensive, immersive instruction. You will spend 8-10 months in a host community abroad, attending at least 10 hours of formal language classes per week and applying those skills in daily interactions with your host family and local peers. The program emphasizes structured learning, cultural immersion, and consistent practice, meaning you will be expected to follow a set schedule filled with classes, homework assignments, cultural activities, volunteering, and site visits. You may also have the opportunity to take additional academic or enrichment courses in your target language. As part of the program, you will live with a host family (or a mix of homestay and supervised dorm housing), giving you sustained exposure to local norms and communication styles. You are also expected to complete pre-departure preparation, ongoing assessments, and post-program evaluations, which help track your progress and proficiency throughout the program.
5. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)
Location: Kangerlussuaq Science Field School and U.S. Summit Station, Greenland
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,500 (subject to change)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 3 weeks from June – July
Application Deadline: December 1 – January 31
Eligibility: 18-year-old high school students who have previously completed a remote JSEP program
Subject Areas: Polar science, geology, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity
JSEP is a fully-funded summer STEM program that brings together high school students from the U.S., Greenland, and Denmark to study Arctic environments through field-based research. You’ll spend two weeks in Kangerlussuaq working with scientists and educators on topics such as glacial geomorphology, Tundra ecology, aquatic ecosystems, and the Greenland Ice Sheet margin. You will learn and apply field methods, collect data at research sites, and complete a small project that is shared with peers and the wider scientific community. In the final week. You’ll also travel to Summit Station, a U.S. research facility on the Greenland Ice Sheet, where you observe ice-coring operations and learn about polar research conducted at high-altitude, low-temperature sites. Throughout the program, you’ll live and work in a collaborative, international cohort, gaining experience with team-based research, cross-cultural communication, and the practical challenges of conducting science in remote environments.
6. Rotary Youth Exchange
Location: Depends on the Rotary Club
Cost: Room, board, and school fees are typically provided; Students are responsible for all travel and personal costs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Options include long-term exchanges lasting an academic year and short-term exchanges from several days to three months
Application Deadline: Varies by Rotary Club
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-19
Subject Areas: Language, culture, leadership, and social justice
The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides you with the opportunity to study abroad through either short-term or long-term exchanges sponsored by local Rotary clubs. In the year-long option, you’ll attend a local school and live with multiple vetted host families, giving you structured exposure to different cultural environments and practices. Short-term exchanges, which can range from a few days to a few months, often focus on homestays, camps, or tours that take place when school is not in session. Throughout the program, you’ll build practical language skills, make long-lasting friendships with peers from around the world, and gain experience in leadership, cross-cultural communication, and community engagement.
7. The U.S. Youth Ambassadors Program
Location: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, or Ecuador (countries offered are subject to change)
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 98 students and adult educators
Program Dates: Varies by country
Application Deadline: November 11 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: High school students (15-17) who have at least one semester of school left after the program ends; Must be a U.S. citizen and resident and sufficiently proficient in the language of the exchange (English or Spanish)
Subject Areas: Youth leadership and civic engagement
The U.S. Youth Ambassadors Program is a fully funded, three-week international exchange for U.S. high school students interested in civic engagement, leadership, and community-based learning. You’ll travel to a partner country in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, where you’ll participate in structured activities tied to leadership development, cultural understanding, and public service. The program includes workshops on topics like civic participation and digital literacy, in addition to meetings with local community leaders and collaborative projects with peers from the host country. Living with a host family will give you daily exposure to the local language and cultural norms, allowing you to apply your English or Spanish skills in real-world contexts. You’ll also take part in volunteer work that connects program themes to on-the-ground community needs. After returning to the U.S., you will design and carry out a Community-Based Service Initiative, which gives you practical experience in project planning and leadership.
8. Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, U.S.
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 45 European teenagers and 10 American teenagers
Program Dates: June 24 – July 22 (tentative; subject to change)
Application Deadline: Varies by country
Eligibility: High school students (16-18) from all European countries with little or no prior study or travel experience in the U.S.; Must be proficient in English
Subject Areas: American culture, economics, and civil society
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is a four-week academic program that brings together U.S. and European high school students to study themes in diplomacy, civic engagement, and transatlantic cooperation. You’ll take part in lectures, seminars, and workshops that introduce you to topics such as democratic institutions, civil society, economic prosperity, and youth leadership. The schedule includes community service projects, site visits, and cultural activities that help you connect classroom discussions to real-world examples. You’ll also participate in a short homestay, which gives you a structured way to observe daily life in the U.S. and compare cultural norms with those in your home country. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with both European and American peers on group discussions and assignments and create a service project plan to carry out after you return home.
9. University of Notre Dame Study Abroad Pre-College Programs
Location: Italy, South Africa, London, or Ireland
Cost: $8,750 (Italy, London, and Ireland Study Abroad Programs); $10,450 (South Africa Study Abroad Program); $75 application fee
Cohort Size: 18 students per program
Program Dates: June 6 – 20 (Italy); July 5 – 19 (London); July 18 – August 2 (Ireland & South Africa)
Application Deadline: October 15 – January 21
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+) with a valid passport
Subject Areas: Culture and history of Italy, South Africa, Ireland, or London
University of Notre Dame Study Abroad Pre-College Programs offer you the opportunity to study the history, culture, and social systems of countries like Italy, Ireland, South Africa, or London. Depending on the site you choose, you might analyze urban development, examine the political history of the region, study architecture, or explore topics related to race, identity, and social change, under the guidance of Notre Dame faculty. The program also includes visits to museums, historic neighborhoods, research centers, natural environments, and cultural institutions. You may also take part in structured group discussions and seminars that connect local contexts to broader academic themes. You’ll live together with 17 other students and participate in plenty of group activities, gaining experience in navigating cross-cultural communication and collaboration with peers in a new environment. You may also earn one transferable college credit upon completion.
10. AFS-USA High School Study Abroad Program
Location: 40+ countries
Cost: Varies by program (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling; Exact deadlines vary based on program departure dates
Eligibility: Varies by program and country
Subject Areas: Language skills and intercultural awareness
The AFS-USA High School Study Abroad Program gives you the chance to spend a semester or year studying in another country while living with a vetted host family. You’ll attend a local high school, where you’ll navigate new academic structures and adapt to different classroom expectations. Since most of the classes will be taught in the local language, you can expect to build practical language skills through full immersion. Outside the classroom, you’ll engage with your host community and learn how cultural norms shape communication styles, relationships, and daily routines. The program also includes orientations and access to guided learning modules that help you reflect on topics like intercultural awareness and global citizenship. Depending on your program, you may also have the chance to sign up for optional certificate courses and even take a language proficiency test after returning home.
11. Arcos Journeys Abroad’s Spanish Immersion
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Atenas, Costa Rice; Oaxaca, Mexico; Granada, Spain; Santiago, Spain
Cost: Varies by program (scholarships available)
Cohort Size: Group of 5-30 students, depending on the program
Program Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling; Deadline is 8 weeks before the beginning of the program
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 (13-year-olds can also apply to the program in Costa Rica)
Subject Areas: Spanish language
Arcos Journeys Abroad’s Spanish Immersion programs let you study Spanish at accredited language institutes while living with a local homestay across countries like Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, or Spain. You will develop practical language skills through small-group classes, primarily using a communicative approach, and will have opportunities to apply these skills during afternoon cultural activities such as cooking workshops, museum visits, city tours, and art sessions. Depending on the location, you may also join volunteer projects, take elective courses on local history or civilization, or participate in excursions that introduce you to regional geography and cultural traditions. Homestays provide structured opportunities to practice conversational Spanish and understand local customs, meal patterns, and community life. Some sites offer the option to earn a transcript granting college credit for your hours of Spanish study. Across all program locations, you can expect to develop stronger language proficiency, cultural adaptation skills, and confidence navigating unfamiliar environments.
12. ASSE Student Exchange Programs
Location: Countries across Europe, Asia/Pacific, South America, North America, and Africa
Cost: Varies by program length and destination (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Varies by program and destination; Year-long, Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer options available
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18.5 in good academic standing; Must rank in the upper third of their class or have a B grade average (C for summer programs)
Subject Areas: Academics and language learning
ASSE Student Exchange Programs allow you to spend a summer, semester, or full academic year studying in one of more than 30 countries. You’ll attend a local school, live with a host family, and navigate daily life in another language and culture, which gives you practical experience in communication, cultural adaptation, and interpersonal skills. Prior language knowledge isn’t required, as the program is designed to help you learn the basics through immersion and structured academic and cultural activities. Throughout the program, you’ll also get a practical look at how academic expectations vary across countries, from grading systems to classroom participation styles.
13. Youth For Understanding (YFU)’s High School Study Abroad Programs
Location: Select countries across the globe
Cost: Varies by program (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 15-18 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (might vary depending on program)
Subject Areas: Culture and language
YFU’s High School Study Abroad Programs let you live with a screened host family and attend a local school in one of many countries, including Japan, Korea, France, Spain, or Paraguay. You’ll build cross-cultural communication skills as you navigate classes, daily routines, and language learning through full immersion. The program includes pre-departure preparation, counseling, and 24/7 support from trained Area Representatives, so you have continuous guidance while adapting to a new environment. Depending on your host country, your schedule may include extracurriculars such as sports, theater, or community clubs, as well as organized excursions that help you understand regional history and culture. Some destinations also offer specialty tracks, like fashion or visual arts in Belgium, which integrate specialized study alongside regular schoolwork.
14. CIEE High School Summer Abroad Programs
Location: Various countries across the world
Cost: Varies by program (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 – July 6 (Summer Session I); July 9 – 29 (Summer Session II); Check individual program pages to verify exact dates
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: High school students (14+); See individual program pages for program-specific prerequisites
Subject Areas: Arts & Culture, Business, Language, Leadership & Service, or STEM
CIEE’s High School Summer Abroad Programs allow you to explore a specific academic or cultural topic while living and studying in one of more than 40 global locations. Depending on the program you choose, you might focus on language acquisition, cultural studies, STEM, business, or the arts, with instruction that blends classroom learning and field-based activities. Language programs include a homestay and structured immersion, and you’ll take pre- and post-program proficiency assessments to measure your progress. Non-language tracks vary in housing and center around project-based learning, community engagement, or applied skill-building. Across all program types, you’ll work with peers from around the U.S. and interact with local communities, which helps you develop cross-cultural communication, independence, and practical problem-solving skills. By the end of the three to four-week session, you’ll connect with new friends, build diverse skills, broaden your worldview, and may even earn college credits.
15. School Year Abroad (SYA) Yearlong Programs
Location: Rennes, France; Zaragoza, Spain; Viterbo, Italy
Cost: $65,000 (scholarships available)
Cohort Size: 45-65 students, depending on the program
Program Dates: Departure date for France and Spain is September 2; Departure date for Italy is August 29; Participants will depart for home on May 21 of the following year
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors; Students applying to SYA Spain need to have taken two years (or be in/above Level Two) of Spanish; Students applying to SYA France need to be in or above French level two
Subject Areas: High school courses, along with electives in art history, cinema, environmental science, etc.
SYA offers yearlong academic programs in France, Spain, and Italy, where you’ll complete a full high school course load while living with a host family. Most of your classes—except English and Math—will be taught in the local language, so you’ll spend the year building your reading, writing, and discussion skills in the target language in an immersive environment. Depending on the program, you may explore electives connected to local culture or regional issues, such as environmental science, political studies, art history, cinema, or applied agroecology. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in fieldwork days, museum visits, and community activities that help you connect what you’re learning to real-world contexts. You’ll also complete a Capstone project, which involves independent research and hands-on investigations into a topic of your choice. Overall, the program is designed to help you build intercultural communication skills, adapt to new settings, and understand how academic subjects take shape in different cultural environments.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX)